Learn the ins and outs of one of the most beautiful places in the world- the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Inside tips from locals, businesses and frequent travelers- plus where to eat and what to see throughout the year.

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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Easter in OBX is a bustling time. It is the "official" start of the season- stores and restaurants are open, owners come down to prepare for the season and there is a smell of spring in the air. We come down every Easter and enjoy the sun, sand and surf- as well as the new businesses and a cupcake or two from Tullio's in Duck.

We spent Easter at brunch in the Sanderling's new pavilion on the sound. It is a brand new pavilion with wonderful views of the sound- great for weddings and large events. The weather was a bit cooler that last year- but it was sunny and there was still a large number of people biking and walking. The new boardwalk extension to Wings Superstore should be completed by the end of May- just in time for the summer rush.

There are some new stores in Scarborough Shoppes and Salty Paws has a second location in Loblolly Pines in Duck- right next to Tullio's!

We helped the OBX SPCA run a two day event at the Waterfront Shoppes through Life's a Beach- there is a picture below of gang with puppies from that event!

The event gave me an excuse to indulge in my favorite concoctions (Peep in a Cup and CoCo Duck) from Duck Cottage and Coffee Shoppe. They have now opened up a second location in Manteo by the waterfront! We can not leave without a pound of Coconut Crunch coffee- and yes they ship (www.duckscottage.com).

We had a great dinner at 1587 on the waterfront in Manteo and the best margaritas on the beach at the Blue Moon Grill in Nags Head at MP 13.

We connected with our OBX friends and watched the moon rise over the ocean by a fire pit on the beach. Life is a beach in OBX.

Every March during the week of St. Patrick's Day- the Outer Banks restaurants open their doors and invite locals and visitors to their annual Taste of the Beach! This 4 day event (Thursday to Sunday) includes special menus, restaurant tours and of course- the grand finale- the Sunday evening Award Banquet and Tasting. This year is was held at Palmico Jack's on the Bypass in Nags Head at MP 16.

This was the second year I have traveled down to OBX for this event. It is one definitely worth the trip for. I brought my friend and besides the great food- the weather was absolutely fabulous. Temperatures in the 80's and that beautiful sunshine. We walked the beaches, ate outside and traveled on the Duck boardwalk. We hit The Lifesaving Station for their Thursday Burger night with specialty burgers with a side order of "duck fries"- yes- they are fried in duck fat.

As we traveled from Duck to Manteo- through Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head- we stopped by my "usual" stops. Beach Essentials, Outer Barks, Salty Paws, Daniels' Homeport, High Cotton BBQ, The Good Life Gourmet, and the OBX SPCA.

Businesses open up during this week and it gave me a chance to see what new businesses were getting ready to open in April. We could not ask for better weather and as always-I was happy to see OBX and OBX was happy to see me.

As an avid animal lover and advocate- I want to take this opportunity to tell you about a wonderful place in OBX. The Outer Banks SPCA is located on Driftwood Dr. in Manteo- off of the main road (Rte. 64).

They are open Monday through Saturday (11 am - 5 pm) and they are open late on Wednesdays (until 7 pm) and from 11 - 2 pm on Saturdays. They have an amazing staff and they are always looking for donations, volunteers and of course- potential adopters!

You can check out their web site at www.obxspca.org

When you visit OBX- you may see Corrie running an event. They have events up and down the barrier islands of Dare County.

We always bring pet food and donations to them- especially after Hurricane Irene. We have also adopted three great animals from them- 2 dogs and 1 blind cat. They do out of state adoptions and would love for you to come by and adopt one of their kittens, puppies, dogs or cats that they have.

We were able to partner with a NY SPCA and bring up some kittens after our visit in January. we transported 8 wonderful kittens who were spayed/neutered and adopted out in NY.

Won't you visit them and see if you can find your fur-ever friend? All animals and spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up to date on vaccines. For a small fee- $85 for dogs/puppies and $70 for cats/kittens- you can open your heart and home to a wonderful OBX pet! Think of it as a memento of your trip that keeps on giving!

What better way to spend the remainder of the year than to spend it by the beach? The beautiful sand- the quiet walks on the beach and the final hooray before many businesses close for January and February.
There is something very serene about being in OBX in the winter. There is still lots to do the week between Christmas and New Years. Businesses and restaurants are open- with great specials for New Year's Eve. We spent New Year's Eve at Aqua and had a wonderful dinner with a great view. We have spent previous years at Ocean Boulevard and the Sanderling. Each year- we always have at least one or two warm days where we can enjoy the outdoors. This year we had the whole week! The weather was beautiful. And don't forget those end of the year sales at local businesses as they make way for their new lines for the spring Until next time- keep dreaming of the beach!